WorldRes
has unveiled a system at ITB Berlin that will enable independent hotels to distribute through thousands of websites worldwide. The extranet solution, due for launch in the fourth quarter of 2004 and code-named ‘Project Easy Extranet’, will allow hotels to instantly sell through WorldRes, and so enjoy distribution through over 5,000 websites, internet service providers (ISPs), online travel agents, tourist boards and global destination management companies (DMCs) worldwide.

Developed in conjunction with PeopleSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSFT) the world’s second largest provider of enterprise application software, the system will be on show as a BETA test version at this year’s ITB.

The extranet’s inventory management tools will enable hotels to instantly update their rates at any PC, and to track payments and commissions, and will feature statistical analysis tools that will allow hotels to model their marketing strategies to shifts in demand.

WorldRes’ network creates an online settlement process for hotels, with details of bookings, amendments and final payments available through the internet.

The extranet will be accessible by demand-side partners such as lastminute.com, opodo and ZUJI, which distribute WorldRes’ portfolio of more than 35,000 hotels, who will be able to monitor account information, such as the status of commission payments. Wolfgang Kitza, WorldRes CEO said: “The system will give hotels worldwide an instant direct route to the massive online market, and will come with the necessary tools to ensure properties can optimise their sales performance on the web.

“Project Easy Extranet gives hotels access to online sales through WorldRes 5,000 demand partners, including many of the highest profile global websites, ISPs and tourist boards. For everyone from the smallest hotelier to our largest demand partner this is a breakthrough that makes great financial sense.

“The launch will give our hotel partner more control of their product online, and heralds a new era of adaptability for the market. It will also further develop WorldRes’ position at the head of the online hotel marketplace and will win us new customers worldwide.”
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